Depression and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia. Depression is the most frequent neuropsychiatric syndrome in AD and is associated with greater impairment in activities of daily living, earlier placement in a nursing home, increased mortality risk, faster decline in cognitive functions, and poorer quality of life. Depression also increases stress and psychological morbidity of the patient's caregiver and family. The relationship between depression and AD is complex, and it is likely that they share common pathophysiological pathways. The accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment of depression in patients with AD poses an important clinical conundrum because current diagnostic criteria are unable to detect many patients with depression in AD and there is no clear evidence for the efficacy of pharmacological treatments. In this context, nonpharmacological treatments are extremely relevant.